VISITORS to Fairfax House in York were given the chance to get up close and personal with a host of Georgian characters at a family-friendly, two-day celebration.

The townhouse played host to The Mannered Mob, a society of historical re-enactors who dress in authentic costume and bring Georgian society to life.

Passionate about sharing their knowledge and understanding of Georgian society, ‘At Home with the Georgians’ gave visitors the opportunity to quiz the characters face-to-face about subjects including personal hygiene – which was of a very different standard from that which is expected today.

Hannah Phillip, director of Fairfax House said: “Georgians thought nothing of not washing for a week and regarded baths with deep suspicion so perfumes were a popular way of covering the smell.

"Although expensive, sugar was more accessible for the better off in society resulting in malodorous dental decay which could be solved by buying a tooth from a pauper and having it inserted into one’s own gums – with very mixed results.

“The success of the Horrible Histories series demonstrated children’s love of the revolting and we’re hoping that our theme of hygiene – or rather lack of it – will prove an equally big hit with them and encourage families to visit.”